The French-Korean Chamber of Commerce (FKCCI) held a commemorative event on May 20 at the National Assembly to celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, as well as the 40th anniversary of FKCCI. The event highlighted the cooperation between the two nations from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day.
Following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Korea last month, the event featured FKCCI President David Pierre Jalicon, French Ambassador Philippe Bertu, and lawmaker Na Kyung-won, among over 80 prominent figures, enhancing the significance of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In his speech, Jalicon stated, "The National Assembly symbolizes the shared values of democracy and freedom between our two countries and is a true testament to our friendship." He emphasized that the Korea-France relationship has evolved into a genuine "strategic partnership" encompassing key areas, fostering greater economic integration. He added, "This year will be a time to renew our aspirations beyond mere achievements," announcing that FKCCI will open its own independent building, the 'French Korea EcoMaison,' in Gangnam this September, which will serve as a multipurpose space for the French-Korean business community.
Ambassador Bertu, in his congratulatory remarks, noted, "In two weeks, on June 4, we will officially celebrate the 140th anniversary of our diplomatic relations." He remarked that through a century and a half of friendship, trust, and cooperation, France and Korea have forged closer ties than ever. He expressed his honor in gathering at the National Assembly, a place rich in history and symbolic of the republican values fought for by both nations. He highlighted that France and Korea are called to play increasingly important roles on the international stage, based on their shared history, economic dynamism, and rich culture.
Lawmaker Na Kyung-won, president of the Korea-France Parliamentary Friendship Association, quoted a French proverb, "Small streams gather to form a mighty river," stating, "Based on the trust built over the past 140 years, we must now move together toward a larger sea. The synergy of Korea's dynamism and France's creativity, along with Korea's technological prowess and France's cultural depth, presents us with limitless possibilities."
During the event, Jalicon presented the commemorative book marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of FKCCI to distinguished guests. He expressed gratitude, stating, "This book would not have come to fruition without your dedication and participation. In that sense, this book is truly yours."
The commemorative book includes historical moments from the 1886 Korea-France Treaty of Friendship and Commerce, activities of French missionaries in Korea during the 19th century, the French battalion led by General Ralph Monclar, known as the 'hero of the Battle of Jipyeongri' during the Korean War, and exchanges between the two countries, culminating in the recent summit between President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Macron.
Additionally, to commemorate FKCCI's 40th anniversary, the book details significant milestones in economic cooperation between the two nations, from the introduction of France's high-speed rail (TGV) in the 1990s to the Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement in the 2010s, and the current strategic partnerships in various fields, including innovation, mobility, energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, luxury, and cultural industries.
Following the ceremony, a special congratulatory performance was held by musicians from the Orchestre national Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as part of cultural cooperation between France and Korea.
Founded in 1986 with 20 member companies, FKCCI has grown to include over 475 members, making it the third-largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea and the sixth largest among 125 French chambers worldwide across 95 countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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